Prefabricated timber dock



'March 6, 1945..

F. R. HARRlS PREFABRICATED' TIMBER DOCK.

Filed Dec. 20, 1943 l2 Sheets-Sheet 1 d /ff 'Il ...n 0

HM. Hm

INVENTOR. Frede/fe librar/vs 3M," 'WMM March 6,' 1945. F. R.-HARR|s 3703.57

PREFABRI'CATED TIMBER DOCK Filed Dec. 20, 1943 12 Sheets-Sheet 2 March 6, 1945-. F. R. HARRIS 2,370,957

PREFABRICATED TIMBER DOCK I I Filed Dec. 20, 1943 l2 Sheets-Sheet 3 g if l/ v 4,

. INVENTOR. L il iM/ Frm/m'fEmr/g LI n l 1/ .A M7 BY rj f v Pd/M f March e, 1945. E R HARM 2,370,957

PREFABRICATED TIMBER DOCK Filed Dec. 20, 1943 12 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. Erla/1d?. Kaw/s +5; i Trop/MY March 6, 1945.

F. R. HARRIS PREFABRICATED TIMBER DOGK Filed Dec. 20, 1943 I 12 Sheets-Sheet 5 March 1945.

F. R. HARRIS PREFABRICATED TIMBER DOCK Filed Dec. 20, 1943 l2 Sheets-Sheet 6 IN VEN TOR. Frederik/a. /Ymwfs March 6, 1945. F. R. HARRIS PREFABRICATED TIMBER DOCK Filed Dec. 20, 1943 .12 Sheets-Sheet 7 l /fi R. m n W.

I Mmh 6, 1945.

F. R. HARRIS PREFABRICATED TIMBER DOCK Filed Dec. 20, 1945 12 Sheets-Sheet 8 v March 6, 1945. F. R. HARRIS PREFABRICATED TIMBER DOCK Filed Dec. 20, 1943 12 Sheets-Sheet 9 Marh 6, 1945. F, R. HARRIS 2,370,957

PBEFABRICATED TIMBER DOCK Filed Dec. 2o, 194s 12 sheets-sheet 1o Much s, 1945. F, R mms y'2,370,957

PREFABRICATED TIMBER DOCK IN V EN TOR. Freder/ r /Yd/w 's fil-robin March l6, 1945- I F. R. HARRIS 2,370,957

PREFABRICATED TIMBER DOCK Filed Dec. 20, 1943 12 Sheets-Sheet 12 IN VENIOR. Fredi/v2 H. Har/y19 I QM Patented Mar. 6, 1945 PREFABRICATED TIMBER DOCK Frederic R. Harris, New York, N. Y. Application December20, 1943, Serial No. 514,952

l 26 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in floating dry docks, particularly dry docks of timber or other materials, designed and built in sectionagand adapted to be set up in the for-m of separate and distinct units, which can easily be coupled to make the dock complete and ready for use. f

An important object of the invention is to facilitate the building of a floating dry dock with bulkheads, beams, vposts and braces, which can readily be joined to make a pontoon; and other parts to be put into place and united to make the I'Jrtions of the walls which are reared on the pontoons or hulls. When the pontoons and the portions of the walls thereon are finished, the units are attached to one another by suitable coupling devices to maintain the pontoons and the wall Iportions in effective alignment; and thus produce a larger or smaller dock having more or fewer units, according to the size and capacity required.

It is also an object of the invention to design a dock comprising members and sections which can easily be shipped andotherwise handled, so that the dock can easily be constructed and finished on or near the site of intended use. l

Another object of the invention is to provide a iioating dry dock with the wing or side walls of such construction that the sections thereof for each unit can quickly be given shape and secured to the pontoons or hulls which carry them.

A further object is to provide a novel and eilicient type of coupling by which the dierent units of the dock `can be operatively attached to one another, and conveniently disconnected whenever necessary to repair, scrape or paint any part of the dry doc An additional object is to `provide eficient means for strengthening and bracing the various bulkheads, beams, uprights and other members cf the framework of the dock. f

With these and other objects and advantages,

which will appear as the description proceeds, the

invention resides in the features and combinations defined and pointed out; but the embodiment illustrated and set forth is presented asan example only, and others may be adopted in practice to the full extent consistent with the broad and general meanings of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.

A On said drawings;

Figure 1 is a diagram lin plan view showing the position of the parts of the framework, such as the bulkheads and trusses on the interior of a pontoon or hull of o ne of the units of the dock. l

one end of the latter.

Figure 2 is a transverse sectional view Ashowing they longitudinal bulkheads of the pontoon and one of the transverse beams or chords to be afxed thereto.

Figure 3 is a section on line 3-3 of Figure 2;' showing how the longitudinal bulkheads are made in sections.

Figure 4 is' a view'similar to Figure 2, showing transverse beams for both tops and bottoms "of the longitudinal bulkheads and posts between the latter. Y l

Figure 5 is a section on line 5-5 of Figure 4 and shows inside elevation the sections of one such bulkhead assembled andthe relative positions of the transverse bulkheads, as seen from Figure 6 shows schematically in side elevation I how the transverse bulkheads of the pontoona'nd of the side walls of the dock are made' up in sections prior to` assembling.

Figure 7 is a section on line 1-1 of Figures 6 and v9 to showthe plan of construction of the framework for the lengths of wing or side walls of each unit and the positions of theparts when assembling begins, v

Figure 8 is a side view of the chords or 'beams for the trusses in the wing walls. y

Figure 9 is an end `elevation of the tim-ber framework for the side walls, showing also a side view of one of the transversetrusses `of the pontoon, with the wing wall sections .ready to be set into place. 4

Figure 10 shows the same after assembling.

Figure 11 end view, andthe longitudinal stringers or clamp timbers for the upper and lower ends of the intermediate posts; this view being a section ron lline |I`II of Figure 9.

Figure 12 shows more fully in an end elevation one unit of the dock with one coupling member 4on the end of the length of the wing wall for connecting one unit k,to another, and the timber framework and trusswork of the side walls "and pontoon, respectively. v

Figuresl3, lfiand are respectively a side, a backr and a front elevation of one of the frames of the wall portions for one of the units ofthe dock.

parts in position Figure 16 is a section on the plane/shownl by the line IB--IE on Figure 12. K

Figure 17 is a vertical section in the plane of the line I'l--Il in vFigure 16, to show the side wall framework.

Figure 17a showsadetail 4of the-pontoon and shows the transverse bulkheads in of Figure 24.

Wall bulkhead construction, in a plane nearer to the side of the hull than in Figure 17.

Figure 17h is a transverse Asection through the outside manning of the doek. Figure 18 is a side view in part of corner log 5 and side planking for each side of a. dock unit at o f Figure"18.`

Figures 20, 21 and 22 are vertical'sections taken on lines 2li-20, 2I2|, and 22-22 of Figure 18?- Figure 23 is a Vertical section onlinaz-ez Figure 24 is a section on line 2'Le-21V?ofigliresE 18 and 23.

Figure 25 is a detailed sideview of cornrlg` .and side Planking Showing part ef theierueturefi ofeEgure-l, seen yfrom,theplane olineZ--Z 20 `f-fEigure.21.. A f e couplingdevice for, the,units o f the doclfA on'e part to be mounted oiionj unt aii.` thf other upon an adjacentunit."

members lof Figures 26., 27 28, and: 29 irifci'nl neeting'.-position.-

V.guresi is; section. eri; 3]; 33 or Eig? Figure 32' is' aA front ViewV` eftiiegsrjuetureap;

` Figures 34 and 35 are .respectiiieljl. a.font".vew 1ancla-ten Yiewof the coupling-,head1 Figuref36. isa..si de `yiewy inr lziarijl',y ot'. the braces and connections. in the. ttu'sswork'. fr.- the..` wing walls.' 1

Figures 37 and Y3'8 are vend "aridfftopLviewsinlpart o ffaewing -wallftruss ilesnectivelyf, a'sjviewd'ltioni lines 31-31 andy 3.8-381 respectively on; Figure-36. Y

i Eigure- 391isa.-side,view of part. of. `tlielnoiltoon trussworkz- FiguresAO. andf41+are respectively. topfandle'n'd views in-part of what is shown in Figuref39lias viewed-from lines 40-40 .and 41.--4 I respectively on Figure 39.

Figures; l42s and 43,- are side and ,'sectional. views on.-line- 43, 43- `offFignrerespectivem ofiaamodied-f form ofv metalA anchor. or.v platsf for. the trussesyanclr Figure 44 is a side elevation on.a..s'maller scale of. theassembled dock;A

; The.. same., numerals.; identify. the;Y saine; p'arts throughout. u f

1 Inl the. following,i detailedi descrintiong. refer-f.- ence 1, is.. rst. made to Figures., 1' to, 11; inclusive'. These views are somewhat; diagrammaticn but show the. principal parts oleajchedocklunitland the arrangementtheieo, tliepaticulargfeatiires of,- coifistruction;` appeal".mbit'ejv fully," ij; the.' ref maining Views.

Each, dm docknnit, comprises aponto on. having a hull |"with portionsjfofsid"wallsl2"atl'ea'ch of itsshorter sidesxeorl enfds. BSZ, J'Qinigs'eireial s'ucli Vunits. with the portions'of" the wall'sl'-2` ar.- ranged vend 'to end, in alignment alongjeabli' side', acomplete. dock;` is-pr.oduced.. Tli'ef crouplirigsjin'- dicat'edn at 3` (Figure 44)' o1i"th`e`eiidv o'f theportions of the side walls unite the various units' to one another.-

The hull II of each pontoon unit 'contains bulkheads 4, running in the direction of the length of the assembled dock and parallel with the side Walls, and transverse bulkheads 5. (See Figure 1.) In the same vertical planes as the latter arethe wall bulkheads 6. (See Figure 7.) In the spaces or compartments dened by the bulkheas@ 4i arid-*stare rows? osvemear pests 1 in trusses 8; the latter crossing?,ther bulkheads 4 and being parallel to the bulkheads 5. On each lside of the posts of each row at top and bottormarej clamping plank stringers 9 parallel to the bulkheads 4.- Similarly, each -of the trusses forming. chords` or beams, connected by diagonal crossedbrace rodsA I l, the details of which will berlaterdescribed, rigidly secured at their ends to. theA timbers I0 at Various points. The deck and bottom' timlfiersiv l 0. respectively',Lrunrcverand trusses la" 'in tire1werha1fforsection-26e each length of si'de Wa'lll' 2f, extending; paralleli he bulklieadsr 4'; these`trus"ses including diagonal brace rd' Hi The" upper hallfonscti'oir of. each length of sidewall also contains dig onal braces l3, connecting; rows: ofi`- upright's; at the; innerfandf outer aces thereofj andringea-'ch lower 'section' 2H are diagonal bracesn".

sections, the pests-Lor -reirifreementsf le efes tojthefends'off1;iie'-sections;simeri'tendente?orv enough` and inpositionto receive between Ithe plates of Veach head 5 at the adjacent vends of all parts or sections 5a thereof, spanned by thislcenter section 20a. These plates are set into slot; in the chords or beams, or otherwise mounted; and recesses are provided betweenthe top" and bottom planks of the bulkhead sections 5a and the end s of all posts or reinforcements I6 to enablethe plates to engage the planking snugly.

The upper parts or beam sections4I 20h `have large plates 2Ia at points' below the inner faces of the side wal1s,lto bridge the inner extremities of the bulkhead terminal parts 5a, and the near ends of the adjacent sections or parts "5a: while the lower parts 20h at these'pointshave plates like the plates 2l. The' chords `or beams also carry smaller plates 2lb at the outer extremities of the end sections 20h. These plates 2lb may t between the planking of the bulkheads and the end posts I1; the extremities of which, in this form of construction, may be recessed or'slotted accordingly. Y f

The bulkheads 4 run between the adjacent ends of the sections 5a of the bulkheads 5, as the latter appear in Figure 6, thoug'hthe bulkheads 4 are omitted in this view. Each unit or hull I may have the number of bulkheads 4 Irequired. In Figures l, 2, 4, 6, 9 yand l0', ve are shown; one at the center and two at each side;` while in Figures 12 and 16, seven such bulkheads'are lillustrated. s s v The bulkheads 4 are shown Vrecessed on their upper and lower edges (Figures 3 and 5) near the ends of the center section 4a, to receive the z timbers 20 of the beams of the bulkheads 5 where these beams cross theftops and vbottoms of the "bulkheads 4. Also, the sections 4a and 4b have additional recesses at the upper andlower ends of the posts IB for timbers III 'of vthe chords of the trusses 8 along bothsides of the longitudinal bulkheads 5; and the plankingv I5 may have small slots also at the inner ends of said addi'- tional recesses beside theends of posts 'I5 for the edges of the plates to enter. The'chords or beams made up of the timbers IU'are similar to those containing the timbers 2D and may be in jointed parts or sections Aor one piece; and carry pairs of plates of the same sizesand'shapes and e in the same positions. I

Between the bulkheads 4the parallel lines of posts 1 are installed with their-ends engaging the deck and bottom timbersv IU. These'posts are also arranged in rows parallel to the longitudinal bulkheads 4, and to each of these rows of posts 1, at top and bottom, the clamping stringersor planks 9 are made fast. (See Figure 11.) vThese rows of posts are in the planes of the reinforcing members I6 of the bulkheads v5; landthe stringers 9 extend between the two bulkheads" 5,'and between said bulkheads and the longer sides of each unit; they are made iastto thevertical' reinforcements IS on the bulkheads 5'. (See Figure 11.) The pairs of plates mounted inall the timbers I0 andY 20 have perforated outer corners for attachment of the diagonal brace rods II. Pairs of these braces II., in' lcrossed position, are at both sides of all the bulkheads 4, running along both faces of the bulkheads 5, and slantwise across the upright reinforcements I-B of the latter. Similar pairs oicrossed brace rods arev an chored to the'pairs of plates in the timbers Ill, for all of the bulkheads 4, and Igo across opposite faces of the posts 1, between the upper and lower timbers I0. Thus, thetrusses 8 are made up'- pair the planking'y of the bulk' the bracing I2, I3 and I4 form perpendicular' trusses in the same planes as the transverse The braces IIl shownat yI Ia in Figure 12 Ito keep the timbers I0 tight and compress between the top and bottom timbers the reinforcing great strength, is obtained. Both the bulkheads 5 and trusses -8 form vin effect truss or latticed girders. 1

The outside plankI covering 34 is laid on .the bottom timbers Illand 20, and the posts I1r at the l sides and ends; `also. on' the top timbers between side 'faces respectivelyfof thetop sectionsl 2a; and,

uprights 24 and 25 for the same faces respective-- ly 0f the lower sections 2b. These uprightswitl trusses 8 in the hull, and the wing wall bulkheads Bare, asA already stated, in the same planes Ias the transverse bulkheads 5 in the hull I."Tlfiev uprights at the ends of the wing wall sections, 22a and 23a on the inner and outer faces respectively of the upper sections 2a; and 24a andi 25a for the same corners respectively of the lower v'sections 2b, are preferably heavy and eachin one piece. The outside Aplanking is secured to all these' uprights from to the deck orfloor of the hull. These corner up-v rights willlie approximately in the planes of the trusses 3 nearest to the longer sides ofthe hull'. The lower corner uprights are attached to the framework of the hull in a manner that will be set forth clearly in connection with Figures 12, 18 and 19. Figures 12 to 44 inclusive show a dock builtas outlined in Figures 1 to 11;. but designed 4more fully and completely illustrated in all details; s

The upper sections 2a of the wing portions arey built with single uprights 22 and 23, in line at a y number of points between the longer endsybut the braces I3 and I4 are all used inpairs, at'-v tached at their ends to the uprights 22'and 23. (See Figures 7, 9, l0, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 17.) The lower sections 2b are constructedwith the uprights 24 and 25 in pairs, with the crosspieces I4 used singly and clamped'at their ends between the,double uprights 24 `and 25. The diagonal .cross-braces I2 are secured against opposite sides of the braces I4. These latter braces 'at the tops of the lower sections 2b. are just belowthe upper ends of the uprights 24 and 25 when the two sections are in place. Each pair of uprights can receive between their upper ends thelower end of an upright 22; and so'with each upright 2i!I and each pair of uprights 25. The top uprights rest at their lower ends upon the top vcross `pieces I4 of the sections 2b and the lowest cross pieces of the upper" wall sections rest upon the upper ends of the members 24 and 25, and the uprights 22, 23, 24 and 25 in the walls are united by bolts and splice plates 2c. (See Figures 13, 14 and 15.). The lower parts of the uprights 24 and 25 of-each pair straddle the deck timbers I0 andv 2li-passing across the hull, and are secured thereto; -while the lower extremitiesoi the timbers 25 are aflixed to the adjacent ends of the bottom chords com: prising timbers Ill and 2l); as indicatedatvthe are made' 'taut by 'i turnbuekies members I6'and posts 1'. Thus, a light framework for the hull, but of' the tops of the walls down loweroixterscorneminffigureflin af-fashien more= thefsectioniZa'al-bove-it: Theftrusses-f are-made-v chordsaor; beams *comprising upperandflower;

- timbers;ZEQandidiagonalcrossed metal-bracerodse H', having turnbuckles Ila for tightening-j.y Thel timbers-215 are-fin sections,- connected; at the ,bulkheads.r 6;; on betweenvthe'm ;i;although in -Eig-ures; '7'v and 8T these: beams1 appeart in on'efpiecesonlyf` throughoutftheinlength; The plankingf; I' fori these bulkheadszcan;extendunward continuously;y

frame the:A timbers: of\ the bulkheads-f 5 ito. the topssof:the. 'wails;2i Each timber ,2B-isI lined with' mayaverlap, :the joints.-` betweenv the timbers 2&2- Hetweernthetimbers 2,65. and: the side-linersV or: fillers-2&4 are plates 2-'I at the bulkheads-,Sf and platess 2.4". aft: thezextreme ends-of,` these beams;

wheni the chordsciarefjointed-. thereat,y is:- slotted` for: theeplates f2-|; whichi projectpfrom both facesoffthefbulkheadse'; otherwise :the planks are .-furfl tlierfrecessefor. thevchords: to` passthrough; and

tm-ther tirnizfers:V andsliners-'are securely-fboltethe. plazteszsZ-lrandlcf. 'Ehe-,plates arerperforated at the corners; andi the: eudsfof thebrace rods; H! '1 aaze attachedf.thereto;4 AsgseenclearlminFigures- 9th 1U,

13,-, 16 andi 17,5 the-4 lower'r trussgirder.- timberssrestonzandare alXed-tothe uppentimfbersoitthe doek framework; andthe-,upper chords are laid;v onzthe-:top cross-:pieces I4 of. the-lower sectionssZb.' Thebraceslalr.' and-themetal platesy 21': and52desaaeintadoub1e line-.tofma-ke-v-un each n truss 85,' uriitingzeach. lowerr chord .Ltoi--thechordz'in the same vertical plane above it." In@ Figure-13;

1 boltsarerindicatedat 2F! to. holdthe upper/chords, uprightsfand: crosspieces-4 Miftogether, and secure thesectionsrZmand `2b together; 4and vto secure-fthe l lowermost'crosspieces and;v lower chords; to -the deck beams. tional fastening, devices-ofi any suitable -kindare These andother ,bolts and; addi.-

usedl-whereyen necessaryi` to r secure parts inplace: Figures: 123' to; 19,-A sh'owr7 the; construction of; a:

l dook unit, Wtlfi atleast `seven brulkheadsfll; and with a fives truss? girdersf: 8.'- between the -bulkheads 5,5 and;- foun'more' betweenthe-x bulk-heads 5,- and- `they. sides" of: said* unit Irrthisz example, the ttmb'ers: lfand ZU arez-only'partsof upper; and lowerfchords for; thev trusses 81' and i bulk-heads s 5; 'they have-'- planks` orf'linersfv l 05 securely-'attached aiong each',- side;` and between: the-i timbers; and thee. liners; thefv .anc-:lionV plates.- for` the-. braces:y H are belted? or: otherwise xed imposition;l The their: lower; bevelledxend-s the uprights-v; 25 :engage-f thelbe'velled yends'- Cit-:the: linens.: l v0f' of ,the bottom v chords; Iand;4 the ends.- ci thelowerl timbers'-v HL side planksf lWareJ united tothetimbers Iiand tourt-chordsareamade-upwof; centra'ltimbersand lieg-betvxzeen-y the ends` off these;uprightss` At L:thee lower` extremities-:the:,uprights 24 arel,attac-hedA to: the --nearest "baille-beati"r 4 A secured to; the opposite' faces-f1ovfra--,thic-lcv upriglhtgreinforcementf {Ba/,there` on; andfattached tot'the-adjacent'bottom chord, p1ates2|t 'y 1 y At the bulk-heads@ and y.6;- `the`4 wall framingis; different.4 vvEach Wall bulkhead-1 e. has(y vertical stringers 23' attached toitsr opposite faces'-rationee-c the outersidesof .then-,walls 2y in the--upper-wall sections Za, andv these: are: in line with; similar1 stringersi-55m therlowersections-2b of said ,-w-alls.-;

y'Ihe-stringgcers 23,- extend from Athe-top. of.the.-walls downfto -the level-of thef'tofpsfof. the upper,P crossbars I4v ofthe lowen sections; andgthereethey.l aresplicedfby; members 2c, toxthe;strinf,1fers,-25,`

which goldowntoftheEton-timbers 20 01% the bulkff heads 5. To the outer faces 'of the stringersszf, above :said timbers- Z. are bolted' fillers-215my and splice members: 25h,y theformer-of which are above the timbers-o-andithe-latterzof which gon-.down past saidf timbers-z Z0@ and side pieces- I D. on; top ofblkhea-ds.- 5? to@ tl'1e;lu1 1ger\F edges ot thei lower plates-:2l 11n-of the;trusses@tlfl The members; 251x thus straddle the-upperchordssand :the .end *posts- I1 of-v the bulkheadseinfthe hull; and lon-gen fillers 26h liet-between.thmembers 25h-endend' end posts. Thee-latter-:areuabbeted as-` illustrated inr Figures 17 andzlmabovernlatese Z'Ibto tf ati their' lower. ends betweenf theeplankingA and said' plates; andr over therplates-Zz-I hare-'secured blocks 47 abuttingethenbevel-led endsiofzthe .bottom planks 10'; fitting intofthe-rabloeteol ends, off the posts- H- land `furtherfabutting thetlowerfe'Xtremities-:of theellers-2 6b and members y2527.4 The-upper ends of the posts I1 can be recessed! for the-plates:- 2lb. Y

Ther-framing; forethefJ faces off. the ,bulk-heads 6 along-the inner sidestof the Wa11sfis';similar. Verf-i ticalvstringersoff. the same:I lengthsas 23.-. are used inithetop-sections:2a; connected by splicememfbers tnv-stringersi# (Figure-16,)- in thebottom 'sections-r 2b.' that;y run'. downv tothef chords along thetopsflofi the adjacentbullheads 5r Here they aregconnectedmy VAillers-y like-theallers 25a; splice' members-v-Zlieand longerfsfillerszsuchfas-12621 (Figura-:16): as thicletas necessary,v ,running;a1ongl the faces-ofzthe planleing off-the bulkheadsz. 5 land madefast tlieretcr.:` The iillersr and spl-ioemem-;

bers; may herbei/allertaalong.r oneedge like: the

members.4 2.41 at'A4 the@ bottom; in: Figure 13 tou-ntA against: the@ timbersl lHi engaging-r thee vadjacent bulkheadzA-f andrb'egsecured thereto.` y U 'f Along the.v ends of eachrhull: -unit:l` from one side wall? to theY opposite: one;,;the stringi pieces '9 run:-

ning: below. thes-deolmtimbersi: im and; Zai-fandl side timbers landi above-r the vsametimberson the bottom;-haWefverticaliposwlrbetween theirfends (Eigure17):standinghetweerr.thetop-fandwbottom chords, of theev adjacent: trusses, and offset from the inside liners i701: .Oneior morevliners or fillers 29 and fillers 3l stand between these posts and the outside planking. Posts l1a fand. 11b areattached to the extremitiesl of the bulkheads 4 (between the side walls), the former to engage the outside planking, and the latter having an intervening ller 29. Along the tops and bottoms of the posts 9b are beams 30 withfseats or recessesin their outer faces for the ends of the outside llers 3|. The vertical fillers 29 are between the beams 30. i

The corner uprights of the wall sections for each dock unit shown for examplel in Figures 6, 16 and 17, consist of relatively lheavytimbers 25a running from the bottom of the hull `tothe tops of the walls. Rabbeted on one face at'its lower end 32 (Figure 18) to fit the adjacent tiznbers I', they rise to the topof thelower 4wall sections 2b; the side plank l0' ofthe adjacent deck chord being shortened las in Figure 13 so that this upright may be in contact with the side of the adjacent timber I0. At their upper ends they are jointed with splice plates or `planks or in any suitable manner to continue to the tops of the side walls 2. They may also be braced with cross-pieces as required. Fillers or liners 3| cover the timbers 25a on their outer faces, standing between the timbers 30. The uprights 24a are at the .inner corners of the walls 2; fitted in place and ysecured in the same way ;"a nd attached at the lower ends to the extremities o-f the adjacent bulkheads 4, in a'manner 'similar to the timbers 24 (Figure 13).

Between the ends of the upper and lower chords or beams 26 for the truss chords in the side walls 2 are heavy uprights Sa (Figures 16 and 17) which extend from one chord to the other, and are secured between plates 21e in any suitable way. Between these uprights :9a and close to each are heavy timber columns 33, which extend from the deck timbers in thefloor of the dock to the top of the side walls E. 'They may be jointed at the upper truss chords if desired,

or they may be in one piece; and are faced.

throughout their whole length with fillers 29D to which the planking is attached for the ends of;-

cated in Figure 16; their ends again'abutting the` beams 26.

The uprights 24a and 25a are tted and secured in any suitable fashion to the deck and bottom corner beams 30. The latter may bein lengths or sections, connected as required.

To facilitate the handling and' fastening of the planking 34, panels are made up (Figure 17h) several planks each in width. Between the planks are tongues or splines of wood set in grooves, to give a leakproof joint.' `The panels are crossed by battens 36, secured to each of Ithe planks by bolts and nuts indicated 'at 31 g 'and the panels are further strengthened and stiffened by transverse rods 38 running through the planks from side to side, in bores enlarged at the ends.

to receive washers and Vbinding nuts. The panels are laid on the framework so that the battens are in the spacesV between the bulkheads`and trusses. When the panels are laid they are 'connected by wedge strips 39. kThe sides and ends. fof the panels are bevelled to fit. Bolts .-40 pass through these strips and large washers 4! engage Ythe inner faces ofthe panels, and are made' fast by nuts which secure the `strips in place. The

,splines'35 may be used for thejplanks` ofthe alo central bulkhead 4 also to make this bulkhead water-tight.

' vEach hull has corner logs 42 at each Lshorter side along the bottom. 'lh'ese'logs are flanked by bottom logs44 and side logs 43, united at ythe edges by vsplinev pieces set in grooves to give a rtight joint. Bolts 45 pass through the corner, side and bottom logs to bind them'together; and

in the planes of the truss girders 8 the'bottoiny and side logs are affixed by similarbolts 45a.l to the side planks or timbers lllof the bottom chords and wing uprights 25` respecti vely. These planks 'In' and uprights have vtheir ends meeting` in l wedge strips 39 in theplanking'34 as 'above described.

where the bulkheads 5 @arel bum, the plenking' I5 thereof iscrossed by the upright end posts I1 above mentioned.v Their lower ends are rabbeted as set forth above in connection with Figures 17 and 17a, and against these rabbeted ends are bolted the filler blocksV 41 which are clamped against plates 46. These blocks have bevelled lower ends which straddle the timbers 2U; and which abut the bevelled ends of the side planks I0. Attheir upper ends the blocks 41 abut the lower'ends of fillers 26h and splice members 2511. The blocks 4-1, are also bolted at 45a to the side planks 43.#

At their extremities the lcorner logs have intervenin'g separators 48 in grooves, to make tight jointsY and are connected by splicers 49. The splicersare piecesof timber with bevelled ysides and the corners' at the sides cut olf` to give bearing Vsurfaces for nuts on bolts 45h to secure the splicers in position to the corner log. These bolts pass throughboth the horizontalsurfaoes of the bottom logs; and the vertical surfaces thereof; and additional bolts 46a run through these members from the corners of the logs 42.

The bottom logs 44 and side logs 43 are also connected at their ends along the sides of the hulls by wooden splicers 49a held in place by bolts 45e. Between the ends of these logs are separators 50.V I

, Thecouplings 3 for the dock units embrace complementary parts, one of which 3a is mounted on one end of a length of wall upon one hull, and the other 3b'upon the, opposing end of a length ofside wall of the adjacent hull. The member 3a forms the head member` ofthe coupling; the other 3b, the socket member by which the head is held.` In operationthe head members are permitted to'slide up and downin vthe socket members as the couplings `hold the Idock units together. Thus, the dock units, in sinking, raising `and trimming can be managed'and controlled independently of one another. If one some extent independently. When this happens the pumps are slowed or accelerated, to bring all u nits into proper position, that is, to the same level.

In structure the head member 'comprisesvertin place; "through vsimilar *intervening plates Aor "l shims; which are .shown LFiguresZan"d"2r"7 but arev 'Omitte'dffio'm '.Fig'ures '128, "29 'and 30fo`r the sake of clearness; and higher upbut atJa distance .below the upper en'ds of`thebeams"5|iis a cross-beam .5'4. -'Ihis crosslbeamis"tted'.to the beamsbl `and@attached thereto atitsends b'y bolts and angle'ironsindicatedat 5,5,.le1ri'ga'ging ,the webs ofthe .twobeams;and can easily be putinto place -and'removed The 'web 'of ,s

a-sthecendsiftheliread, which are* thus inv'elect `.transverselyfextended To" connect the lunits of the fdo'ck, as appears in Figure 44, ythe beams 154 of' vvthe Isocket memupper beams 'fB I One' unit is then'l partly; nodded fand" lowered lsuiiiciently in'` the* water. The VCnext @section is `-brought enea-r Y'enough f to v:locate -tl1`e 4heads 3a betweenthe Vbeams 5I 'ovfthersockets, in line with the spaces'above'the beams 58. "The none-.unitcannowbe pumped iout and-raised or ithe-other lowered "until the "heads 551 v"drop -be- "115 "54,and"6l .are"thenibolted'intoplace again. The units *are 4then'l coupled butk theheads '3a can slide "up and downv inf the 'members :3b.`

v"The units 'can' also *be connected simply'by moving'them'close 'togetherwith the beams '54 the beam"5'4 .canbeextended'beyorfdtheilanges "2'0 and V6I of 'themembers AShyand'theheads *51,

- by cutting away theflatter;forthispurpose .The

two horizontal' .beams 53 arid"5'4 are..v connected by "vertical beam's $56 in the space between fthe beams'll, also removably attached at upperiand l lower ends-by -bolts and angle -members"55. ."To

the' beams56 the headg 5'1is a'fxed. It ,projects outward beyondthe'faceslo the'r beams"56 ;`f and? is retainedby'the socket memberS, when.the'cou plings connect the dock units'together.`

points, bylhorizontalbeamsSiandlkih latter beamsv S56 and associated lcross-beams 54 removed. "Thei'heads l.lcan'be engaged with'the .socket guicleways, `and thesaid .beams then se- "curel'y attached l'improper positions.

"In Figures T36, 37 andthe'dagonal brace `rods lfor the v'trousses f8 inth'e Wing walls are shown. The ro'dsa're attachedtothe plates2l rz'etc.,bypins 13. At 'the points of intersection,

l onegpair of rods always passes between 'those "The socket member .a1so..co`mp'rises vvertical ."30 Offthe Other pail. "-The'nn'el" FOdSl are pinned.

tothe inner faces/of "the plates and'the'others .areaxed to the outerfaces. Y

v:The "brace rods -`for the .trusses "8 of 'the 'hulls (FiguresfQ, .40 and .'41) are i.all pinned to ".the

glesf; and tl'ieiorrnelj,y permanentlyy secured/'in place. In the space between these beams .5I,.the beams f53 rand y54 .are.joined .by flat..beams58,

each consisting .ofoa front .flangeafandback ,Y V

' 40 `plates ateach junct1on, the 'remainlng rodspass.

detachably jonedtowbeam 54.-byiboltsfand-:rangle ai irons 55 attached `to :the webs 159.. vNear their tops the beams f 58.are brac ed lby short lengths the plate 64 and above the beam 53', Withfiplates .the corners. The bracerodsof one-half ofthe pairs are made in sections '.I Ia 'an'd-'II'b,y each ,joineda't the point .of intersection by two separate splice plates "M, Between .the 'two splice "Hence, in the trusses ""8, all the.brace rods attached to vone "line of -plates canbe virtually inthe same plane. vThe sameY arrangementis .also followed yfor both `faces of 'the bulkheacls`5.

The detail .presented in Figures 42 .and '143 shows a type of truss platezl with a'fla'nge`2l", :The plate'isused as already described; being se- .'llersorfliners I0. Thesepa'rts are vrecessedfor l'the-'flanges 2| so that thelatter a're llush'with thefacesofthe chords. The .edge opposte'lth'e Yangehasl arecess asshown at ZIfdeep. enough to .reach the .adja'centlface.ofthe chord.' ''Ihe top an'dfibttom f the bulkhead J5 entersthis inner'webs iEiguressSi andan) ,xsoLthatzthese the horizontallbeams vII the iflarnges alsaeand .-58b are rwider, fextendingooverfthe insidemwbs vided with transverse slotsl therea'tto'. receive the plate. The vertical .posts "I6 lie iibetweenthe plates .of each pair asbe'fore 'A plateof'this form is advantageous for. use in connection* with 59,l so as Lto Voverlapamd =engageffthe-projetme 1160 'thecentrai bu1kheayd4, which is -watertigntr'bt The vlhead 51 may Ibefhollow land made upf-f metal plates forming frontianderearfacesftop and bottom faces AIland endsii68. ilnsidef'are vertical 'reinforcing webs `69, paralleltitothe erfds p and inside "horizontal '-reinfor`cin'gbars v'or webs 70 T0 cormecting'the Websaidnends. TUponi'the iront Vand -rear '."faces adjacent `therenls ltare convex reinforcngibars "I-I. "'Bars `or webs 1.2 welded to the headrand ,beams .56 hold vthelieale it canl; be ,employed .with the other' .bulkheads "I vlif'desired. l

The 'dock above described can thereforel not only *be set up easily and :quickly :when "it'zis needed; .paraiso theunitscan be rapidly knocked Vvdown .and removed w"for use' elsewhere. 'lheh de- ;sign is suchfthat ".thej parts can vall1 besecuredto "place"by"bo'lts .and nuts. .Heri'ce,"no:other` tools are vrequired, but 'suitable Vllifting apparatus,

fwrenchesan'd spanners, .togpnt the'rvarious'jparts imposition and make 'them'secure; y'arid `to unsize to be hoisted,v lowered or shipped very handily; but thehulls or pontoon units must be managed by stripping oithe lplanking, corner logs,

. large hun with waus along the sidesinsiead or a hull and walls made up O-unitS-With sections of wallsat each'end, and joined together, as set forth herein;` and the terms hull and side walls shall be construed in this broad sense.

said chords. extending substantially adjacent jand parallel to the oppositefaces of the walls-and from" end to end thereof, a secondA chord'iabove eachof the first and parallel therewith between said ends, diagonal braces connecting eachof said chords at the level of the deck to the chord `above it, bulkheads in the pontoon extending from side to side, trussed chords extending along the tops and bottoms of said bulkheads, addi tionalbulkheads intersecting the aforesaid bulk heads, and trussed chords crossing the topsand bottoms of said additional bulkheads at intervals throughout the length of the latter.

9. A floating dry dock pontoon of uprights along each face thereof, `deck and bottom beams extending from side toside in the hull engaging said uprights, `chords on said deckA y beams inside said walls,'one chord lying adjacent each line of uprights and parallel therewith, hori- -zontal cross-pieces on top `of said chords land Having described my invention, what I believe tobenewis: i f y N ljAo'ating dry dock pontoon hull having walls thereon, each of said walls 4consisting of an upper and-a lower section, said sections containing uprightswhich have interfltting engagement at their adjoining ends.

2. `A floating dry dock pontoon hull'y having walls thereon, each 0f said walls yconsisting `of an upper and a lower section,` the latter containing trusses along both faces fromend to end, Jsaid sections including uprights which have intertting engagement at the top `of the lower section and the bottom of the upper section.

3. `A` floating dry dock pontoon hull having walls thereon, each of said walls consisting of an uppersection and a lower section,v the one 'section lcontaining single uprights and the other paired uprights which receive the ends of the" singleuprights between them. y y

4. A oating dry'dock pontoon hull having lwalls thereon, each of said walls consisting of an upper andr a lower section, the one sectiont containingsingle uprights and the other paired uprights receiving the ends of, the single up- ;rights between them, said uprights having horizontal cross-braces, the ends of the uprights of each'section abutting the adjacent cross-braces of the other section.

5. The dry dock hull, according to claim 4, wherein the lower section has an inside truss extending from end to end along both the inner 1 and outer faces of same.

6. A floating dry dock pontoon hull having a trussed lframework therein and walls thereon, each wall consisting of an upper and a lower section, each of which comprises two lines of uprights, said uprights `extending from end to end along the opposite faces of said walls, the uprights of said sections intertting at their adjoining ends, and trusses in the lower section extending from end to end along both lines of uprights therein.

7. A floating dry dock pontoon hull having a Wall at each side, buklheads in the pontoon extending from side to side, trussed `chords extending along the tops and bottoms of said bulkheads, additional bulkheads intersecting said bulkheads, and trussed chords crossing the tops and bottoms of said additional bulkheads at intervals throughout the length of the latter.

` 8.A floating dry dock pontoon hull khaving walls at each side, each wall having a chord therein at the level of the deck of the pontoon,

engaging the lines of uprights at the ends of said cross-pieces, a chord above Yeachchord on. said deck beams and parallel thereto, horizontal cross-pieces extending across the top and bottom of the upper chords and joined at their opposite ends to said uprights and diagonal bracerods 10. The floating dry dock pontoon of claim' 9, wherein said walls also have inside vdiagonal bracesextending` between said upper and lowei` chords and the cross-pieces therefor. y

11. A iioating dry dock pontoon having walls 'at each side, each wall containing `a rline of uprights extending from end to end along each; face,

deck and bottom beams extending` from side to y side in the hull, the uprights in the lower. parts `of'said walls comprising paired members which receive the deck beams between them and lpass down to the bottom members.

n 12. lA floating dry dock hull having a wallat eachside, each wall comprising ari-upper and lower section, said sections containing a .line of f uprights along each inner and outerv face; the uprights of the vupper section comprising single` members and those of the lower section paired members which receive Athe ends of said single members between them, horizontal cross-arms `between said paired members at their tops, and

extending from one line to the other to vengage the lower ends of said single members, and horizontal cross-arms at both sides of said single members, running from one line to the other in position to rest upon the tops of said paired members. i

13.-A iioating dry dock hull having one or more bulkheads therein, top and bottom chords for each said bulkhead, anchor plates in` pairs secured to said chords along the length thereof, the plates of the several pairs receiving the `top and bottom of the bulkhead between them, and' diagonal truss rods on each face .of said bullshead connecting the `plates on that face to`- gether.

14. A floating dry dock hun having ytruss girders therein, each of said girders comprising f a top and a bottom chord made 'up of a relatively thick central member, thinner members secured to each side of said central member, and anchor plates between said centraland side members at' intervals along the length of said chords.

15. A floating dry dock hun having bu1kheaas `extending from side to side therein, the said bulk-` f heads consisting of sectionsof substantially equal 1 hull 4having Walls at each side, each wallcontaining aline connecting each lower chord to the chord above girders.

120. Av noa-ting :dry dock hullhaving walled-,herei .on,. a pair of lower chords andla fpair offupper length; additional' .bulkheadsj intersecting; fh@ first-.named .bullohe ads: and .passing rbetwecnthe endet-oi) adiiacentsections thereof, the additional bulkheads .also .being made-in .'secltions,v onesti which is longer fthan the space betweensaid first..- namedhulkheads, the latter. .being securedfto .said longersections adjacent the';extrenrilties .thereon theA other sections of. the additional bukhoads being afxed .to the eXtrernitie.sr of sections. B16,l A'loating dry vdockwfhull haring .bullehea'ds itherffin,Y deck and bottom .chords crossing said bulkheads', anchor Vplates fixed; to `said. chords adjacent said bnlkheads, said plates 4.pro--eciing :from:V said. ,chords towards :the bul..k-.hea :ls,- *.SQme of:ftheiplateshaving'recessesfor the top and :bot- .of-a bulkhead, and brace frods .connecting said plates. f i 1.7. `floating-dry dockhull havingbwkheads extending from side toiside,` said bulkheads com` fprising'.sections` with Vertical reinforcing .,posts :at Lthe ends, adeck .and bottom chords .at the :top and bottom of saidbuIkheadS, .additional bnlkheads intersecting the .aforesaid bulkheads vand ,passing .the longer between the sections thereof, anchor .plates fxed their adjacent ends.separated,.leachpfsaid-.parts being connected tothe associatedpaiit by iafpaii of outside 1inks3leaving-a space -throngh which one;V of the =remaining rods passesat-eachfinten section.. f

22. A yfloating .dry dockfhun .comprisiriaa ,side

Y wall and a coupling member ,made o f, .aqpair .of

.vertical beams aHixed-to said wall, .horizontal l beams, one above.theothenconnectingsaidfver tosaid'chords adjacent saidadditionalcbulkheads,

:and projecting from said chords outA over .the

-rsbnamed bulkheads, vsome .offsa'idplates lhauling recessesin one edge for the top and bottom of an .additional bulkhead, the plates `hanfingfiianges at .ticahbeamsfthe upnerfhoriaoriiaibeeinabeinedef tachabiyseonred place, and meansriorming a pairv of .Vertical guidewaysfsnpportedoattheir.,upa per and. lower ends .between said vertical beams by A-said horizontal beams, the .upper ends ofisaid enideways. andthe upperhorizontaLbeam-being -detachably secured to eachother.

.2.3. Eliney .-oating .dock according.;ttoA claim 22, wherein tthe .'guideways. .eachfhaye y1a..,detach .able clesnramembersecuredfbetween them-adje..- .centtheir .uriner ende, .below the horizontal ;beam

thereat.

their.v oppositeedgesto secure themltothechords 18; Af1oating dry dock hull h avingtrusslgirdf ers, each comprising al deck and..bottom.chord,l

anchor plates secured to-saidchordsandaarranged in pairs, and. crossed diagonal brace vrods econ.; nestingv the plates of. .the .deck achords- .Ito .those of the'bottom chords, some .ot-said. rods being :bolted tothe innerffac'es of said .plates and.- some .tothe outer faces,.so'that ateachintersectionione; j l pair of rods ."passes .within another zpair'.

19. A oating dry. dock hull .hai/.ingside 'walls thereon, parallel .truss girders withinpsaidjwalls extending from :end .to `end 1thereof,.and .external .coupling members :attached to the ends of .said

chords: therein, plates. attached: "tov the ends Viof .conplingfmemberzai'xed .to said beams.

.zennpatinafdry docs. comprising-nun and 'Side walls.,- fsaid .hull .thawing aninsideframewonk .inclndingbulkheads `made .up of. se ction s...conf

nected-togetherfandfsaid walls embracinga .lower section .attachedetofthe 111111,-, @116.12m lippsectgn Ihailing linterttine:..eneaseinem; with saidv .lower section. i

25. A Oatngdry. dock, comprising hull and sidewalls. .each oi said .walls fmade .up-of a lower section and. Aan..attacl'led ripper fsection, the hull '.containinaan inside vvframevi/.oils including Yilliter- .secti-ng .bulkheada all tin .sections ,.so 1ne of .said

bulkheads being aixed toasinglesecton in .each v l.oftheremaining.lonlkheada 26.. A. oating dry dock, comprisingy hullband sidewalls, the. hulLcontaining airameworkhaw.

. ing deck and ,bottom 'chornsextending-.tmm Yone wall to the other, .the walls .including 1nonislits which .have .inteniltting.-` .engagement withi .said

chords.

. .EREDERIC/RfHABiRIS-- 

